Sociology and Anthropology Vol. 2(2), pp. 35 - 40
DOI: 10.13189/sa.2014.020202
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Cohabitation and the Future: Guaranteed Survival?


H. E. Baber *
Department of Philosophy, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcalá Park, San Diego, CA 92110

ABSTRACT

In cases of fission, on Lewis’ account, distinct individuals share stages prior to fission. There is a sense in which the survival of such ‘cohabiting’ individuals is guaranteed. Had fission not occurred there would have been a single individual in their place? So if they, those cohabiting individuals, exist they must survive fission. To that extent any concern they might have about whether they will survive fission is unwarranted. But only to that extent. Like cohabitants, we singles are also guaranteed that our lives won’t be over until they’re over. Singles and cohabitants have the same reason to be sanguine about their futures—and the same reason to be concerned.

KEYWORDS
Personal Identity, Lewis, Parfit, Counterparts, Possibility

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] H. E. Baber , "Cohabitation and the Future: Guaranteed Survival?," Sociology and Anthropology, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 35 - 40, 2014. DOI: 10.13189/sa.2014.020202.

(b). APA Format:
H. E. Baber (2014). Cohabitation and the Future: Guaranteed Survival?. Sociology and Anthropology, 2(2), 35 - 40. DOI: 10.13189/sa.2014.020202.